Prof. Joseph K. Alexander, a cherished writer for Light of Life, one of the most distinguished sons of the Malankara Orthodox Church, has passed away on June 2, 2026, at the age of 101. He served as the former Director of Collegiate Education for Kerala State. He officiated as the Chairman of the Kerala regional branch of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) - a quasi Government organisation and was a Member of the Governing Board Executive Council for the IIPA in New Delhi. He was also a founding member and Vice President of the Mar Gregorios Rehabilitation Center (MGRCB), an offshoot of the Mar Gregorios Orthodox Christian Students Movement (MGOCSM).
Prof. Joseph K. Alexander was the first Principal of Nattakam Government College and an exceptional mentor who enriched various aspects of education. Holding many well-deserved titles as an educationalist and writer, he also served as the election overseer for the Malankara Syrian Christian Association. Having served as the Vice President and Treasurer of the MGOCSM, he left behind a century-making legacy.
Professor Joseph was born on November 25, 1924, into the illustrious Kanianthara family. He earned his Master’s degree in Economics and dedicated his life to the teaching profession. Throughout his career, he taught at Government Victoria College in Palakkad, University College in Thiruvananthapuram, and Government College in Kottayam. He also served as the founder principal of Government College Chittoor in Kottayam. Later, he officiated as the chairman of several departments at Kerala University, eventually rising to the position of Director of Collegiate Education for the university.
He was married to Mrs. Annamma Joseph Kurichi (from the Kolathukalathil family), and they have two sons and a daughter.
A devoted man of faith, he was a member of the St. George Orthodox Church in Palayam, Trivandrum. He also served for many years as the President of the Kaniyamthara Kudumbayogam (Family Association) and played a pivotal role in the historical lineage research and publication of the prominent family's history.
After retiring, Professor Alexander spent three years conducting research as a University Grants Commission (UGC) Fellow. He continued teaching postgraduate students at a private college until 1995. Afterwards, he lectured on civil service examinations at the Civil Service Academy and the Center for Career Development Studies (CCDS) under the Kerala Government.
A passionate economist, his primary interests were reading and economic analysis. He published several books on economics and numerous articles in academic journals. He also had a deep appreciation for literature, with his favorite books being H.G. Wells' A Short History of the World and the works of P.G. Wodehouse.
His legacy extends into the community and academia: the MGOCM orientation program he established continues to hold a ten-day camp every year, and he contributed to the literary world by publishing the research-based book, Spiritual Banyan Tree.
We fondly recall the dedicated service Prof. Joseph K. Alexander provided to Light of Life. As a valued writer and supporter, we hold you in high esteem and offer our heartfelt homage and prayers.
